Read Proverbs 17:15-28

Proverbs 17:22, "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones."

You are very aware that people have varying demeanors.  What's on the inside will show itself on the outside.  It is easy to discern if someone is joyful, or if they are disturbed and overwrought by circumstances in their life.  Today's proverb speaks of the therapeutic nature of cheerfulness (A merry heart doeth good like a medicine).  What many need to feel better isn't a perfect pill, but a spirit of joy and cheer.  It is amazing how our attitude impacts the way we feel.  

Contrarywise, a wounded spirit causes a person to wither away.  I know a lady whose husband died suddenly.  Since his death, about 15 years ago, she has closed herself into her house living in seclusion.  Her spirit is broken, and the result is she is wasting away.  She has allowed herself to be wounded by God choosing to take her husband to heaven, and now she is literally withering away.  

In the Word of God, we are repeatedly commanded to rejoice.  I'm not unsympathetic to the difficulties one may face in life (I have had my share), but how one chooses to respond is what God is teaching us today.  God desires that our spirit be lifted in the victory we have in Christ, rather than allowing ourselves to wallow in despair by hanging onto our wounded spirit.  The difference is profound.  When one chooses to rejoice, everything looks better.  When one hangs on to his or her wounded spirit, everything looks worse and impacts the person’s wellbeing.

What choice will you make to bring cheer to your life today?  

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  How would you describe your spirit?  Why?

2.  Have you ever considered the impact your attitude has on the way you feel?  What does it take for you to be cheerful?  Is the source of you cheer biblical or worldly?

3.  Are you currently dealing with a wounded spirit?  What does “drieth the bones” mean to you?

4.  Name three biblical truths that can lift your spirit today.